Answers tagged giant cell arteritis: Page 1 of 1

Wendy from the UK asks: Does the treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica with steroids prevent Giant Cell Arteritis?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis, otherwise known as GCA or temporal arteritis, are distinct condition that may present at the same time. Many patients with GCA also will present with PMR, while a smaller proportion of patients with PMR present with GCA. While the treatment for both starts the same – glucocorticoids – the doses are very different. PMR is treated with low dose prednisone, while GCA initially requires high dose prednisone. That said, once on prednisone, the risk of developing GCA, and particularly loss of vision from GCA, drops significantly.

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What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatologists see over 100 different types of diseases. We are known for seeing arthritis, however, we also see many other conditions.